Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe for Weeknights

Succulent garlic parmesan chicken skewers promise a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance with delight.

Marinades work magic when herbs and spices blend perfectly.

Summer grilling reaches new heights with these irresistible protein-packed bites.

Simple ingredients create extraordinary results on your plate.

Mediterranean-inspired cooking doesn’t get easier than threading tender chicken chunks onto skewers.

Marinating transforms ordinary proteins into something extraordinary and memorable.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Marinade

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the following ingredients:
  • Olive oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Italian seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend these ingredients until they create a smooth, aromatic mixture that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken Chunks

Drop chicken cubes into the marinade, ensuring each piece gets fully coated.

Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator.

Let the chicken soak up those incredible flavors for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Step 3: Prepare Skewers

If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water for 20-30 minutes.

This prevents them from turning into charcoal during cooking.

Step 4: Fire Up the Cooking Station

Heat your grill to medium-high or warm your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Get ready for some serious cooking action.

Step 5: Thread Marinated Chicken

Carefully slide the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, creating beautiful kebab-style treats.

Step 6: Cook to Perfection

Grilling Method: Place skewers on the grill, cooking 10-12 minutes.

Rotate occasionally to ensure even charring and complete cooking.

Oven Method: Arrange skewers on a baking sheet, roast for 15-20 minutes.

Flip halfway through for consistent cooking.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the skewers.

Add lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

Enjoy your mouthwatering creation!

Expert Tips for Skewer Success

  • Let chicken soak in the zesty mixture longer for deeper, more intense flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
  • Always soak wooden skewers in water before grilling to stop them from burning and turning into charcoal.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked protein every time.
  • Skip the skewers and transform this recipe into a delicious chicken breast or thigh dish for keto and low-carb diet followers.
  • Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or add chopped basil right before serving to elevate the dish's freshness and aroma.

Variations for Garlic Parmesan Skewers

  • Mediterranean Herb Swap: Replace Italian seasoning with za'atar and add fresh mint for a Middle Eastern flavor profile.
  • Spicy Cajun Version: Substitute Parmesan with Cajun seasoning and add cayenne pepper for a zesty kick.
  • Gluten-Free Protein Option: Use almond flour instead of Parmesan cheese and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Remove Parmesan and increase olive oil content, use chicken thighs for higher fat content and replace lemon juice with apple cider vinegar.

Serving Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

  • Flavor Fusion Plate: Pair these zesty skewers with creamy tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired meal that bursts with tangy goodness.
  • Picnic Perfect Companion: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad and warm pita bread for a delightful outdoor dining experience that screams summer.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Slice the cooked chicken off skewers and toss into salads, wrap in tortillas, or mix with quinoa for quick and versatile lunch options throughout the week.
  • Sidekick Sensation: Complement the skewers with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with the remaining marinade for extra flavor depth.

Storing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Tips

  • Store leftover skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains fresh and safe to eat.
  • Wrap skewers individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving their flavor and texture.
  • Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Warm for 30-45 seconds, checking to prevent drying out. Rotate halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

  • Why should I marinate the chicken?

Marinating helps the chicken absorb flavors, making it more tender and juicy. The combination of olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, and seasonings infuses the meat with delicious taste before cooking.

  • Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

Both work great! Chicken breasts will be leaner, while thighs have more fat and tend to be more flavorful. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer – chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest piece to ensure no pink remains and juices run clear.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers You’ll Adore

  • Savor Quick Flavor Burst: Packed with garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, these skewers deliver maximum taste in minimal preparation time.
  • Master Easy Cooking Technique: Perfect for beginners and experienced cooks, the recipe requires simple marinating and grilling/baking steps without complex culinary skills.
  • Celebrate Versatile Meal Option: Great for backyard gatherings, weeknight dinners, or casual entertaining, these chicken skewers adapt to multiple cooking methods and suit different preferences.
  • Boost Healthy Protein Choice: Lean chicken combined with herbs and minimal oil creates a nutritious protein-rich meal that satisfies hunger without heavy ingredients.

What’s Needed for Garlic Parmesan Skewers

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Fresh chicken cubes perfect for skewering and absorbing delicious marinade flavors.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Provides moisture and helps distribute seasonings across the chicken.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, savory flavor and helps create a golden exterior.
  • Garlic: Offers robust and aromatic seasoning to enhance overall taste.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy notes and helps tenderize the chicken.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A classic herb and spice combination that creates depth and warmth in the marinade.
Cooking Accessories:
  • Wooden Skewers: Used for threading and grilling the chicken pieces.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley, Lemon Wedges: Optional finishing touches that add color and fresh citrus brightness to the dish.
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 52 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling garlic parmesan chicken skewers bring Mediterranean flavors right to your dinner table. Juicy chicken marinated in herbs and cheese creates a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1.5 pounds (0.68 kilograms) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into cubes

Cheese and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquids and Aromatics:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Cooking Equipment:

  • Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

  1. Whisk olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, fresh lemon juice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel to create a vibrant marinade.
  2. Immerse cubed chicken pieces into the aromatic mixture, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated. Seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
  3. Submerge wooden skewers in water for 20-30 minutes to prevent charring during cooking.
  4. Heat grill to medium-high (around 400°F) or preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), preparing for optimal cooking environment.
  5. Carefully thread marinated chicken chunks onto prepared skewers, distributing meat evenly for consistent cooking.
  6. For grilling, cook skewers 10-12 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve beautiful caramelization and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. For oven method, arrange skewers on baking sheet and roast 15-20 minutes, flipping midway to guarantee even browning.
  7. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over finished skewers and accompany with lemon wedges for a bright, zesty garnish.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken for maximum flavor absorption by letting it sit in the mixture for up to 2 hours, which allows the seasonings to deeply penetrate the meat.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water beforehand to prevent burning and ensure even cooking without charred edges.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption, guaranteeing perfectly cooked protein.
  • Experiment with alternative protein options like tofu, shrimp, or turkey for a diverse dietary approach while maintaining the same delicious marinade profile.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 349 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 359 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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